I had a good trip to San Francisco. Jackie has an apartment in a great part of the city…this is the view from her corner:
I looked at it every two hours, when I had to move my car. I hate your stupid parking, San Francisco.
We we very chill the majority of the time. Jackie tried to play host and suggested we go see Alcatraz, which has become a running joke between us. Over the past few years, whenever I’ve gone to SF Jackie has always said something like, “I’m not very fun right now,” and I always reply, “That’s okay, I didn’t come to see Alcatraz.” I’m not there to see the sights. Besides, I saw The Rock, Alcatraz is just a big jail with Sean Connery. Booooring…but sexshy.
We did go out in her neighborhood a bit, mostly to get food and snacks, although we also saw The Artist and really liked it. We felt like seeing the Academy Award winner for best picture helped balance all the…well, I don’t want to say horrible, so let’s just say non award-winning movies we watched on TV. There was also a lot of facebooking old friends, flipping through magazines, and I read The Hunger Games…which in hindsight probably wasn’t the wisest book to read what with all of the um, bad stuff that happens in the books, but oh well.
There was also a lot of talking…. about our lives… the unexpected twists… how we were feeling… with plenty of room for trivial topics, the kind of fun things we’ve always talked about.
Sitting beside her, laughing and watching TV, I felt transported back to many lazy afternoons we’d simply hung out and enjoyed each others’ company… in our sorority house, in our apartment in Hermosa Beach… and though things have changed in our lives so much since we first met as carefree college girls, we still don’t need anything to have a great time together. We just need each other.
Jenn says:
Beautiful post Sweetie and it’s so true, best friends really don’t need anything but each other. I’m so happy you got to spend some time with Jackie!! Thinking of you & sending you my love!
edenland says:
I’ve been to San Fran twice. First time I was eleven years old and LOVED it … something about a Fishermans Wharf? Second time was on our way to BlogHer in 2010 and I took photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, published them on my blog, and said, “Well, it’s not very golden.”
And some readers pointed out that I actually took photos of the Bay Bridge. Idiot. Cringe.
Can totally see that Jackie! is a dear and beautiful and special friend. Love that you guys just hung together. Love to you both. Hard. XXXX
Gwen says:
Glad the two of you had a good weekend.
Elizabeth :: Bébé Suisse says:
Sweet times together, moments to treasure forever …
Becca says:
Those are the moments where you just want to freeze time and soak it all in. Sounds like you and Jackie! did just that.
J+1 says:
How lucky you are to have each other.
Lindsey says:
One of my favorite posts of yours — I hope you believe like I do that things as special as “best friends forever” really do outlast, outwit, outplay (in the words of my son’s favorite show Survivor) everything!! You are obviously so much a part of each other’s lives that no matter what happens, it will be a forever thing for you, something to cherish and reflect on. I wish the very best for Jackie’s health. So glad you both share such a special bond. Lots of love, Lindsey from Atlanta
Terri says:
You are both so lucky to have eachother! How I wish I had a good friend like that! You are both in my thoughts.
Tammy M. says:
You are such a great friend – it’s no wonder you have great friends like Jackie! I know you are not particularly religious but I’m still praying for you all. (So there! For peace and strength at the least.
J in eire says:
Im so glad you got to just hang out and chill together like old times. Thinking of you both and your families..
On another topic completely – I made your crock pot beef yesterday.. It made two little Irish girls very very happy.. The sat up at my kitchen counter like they were in a REAL American diner, eating their pulled beef sandwiches… Fabulous…Thanks Heather, for your words, your open heart and your recipes!! I appreciate it all over here..
Skye says:
I love how with close friends, it doesn’t matter how much time has passed since you last saw each other or even talked on the phone… being together is just like old times and you can entertain each other for hours. I’m so happy you had a great weekend with Jackie!.
Sarah says:
No words. Just love. I forwarded this post to my best friend Catherine and I told her that next time I see her she’s getting a HUGE hug, and she hates hugs. She said she understood, but really it’s a hug for you and Jackie!.
ella says:
i just finished college and felt so sad leaving those “new” friends behind. at least thats how it felt like. your post gives me hope that it really is possible to stay friends! this just made my day. thanks!
Jenni says:
You are so good to each other, and I’m glad you’ve made more wonderful memories together for you both to hold close to your heart.
Jenni
Trisha says:
Glad you had the chance to go up and have a great weekend together!
Wanted to see The Artist but wasn’t too sure about it. Think I’ll have to check it out this weekend.
Lisa says:
I’m glad you guys had the chance the just hang out. Best friends are the best, all you need is each other, it doesn’t really matter what you are doing, as long as you are doing it together. Love and hugs.
Christina says:
I feel that way about so many friends. It’s a wonderful thing. I wish everyone had the chance to experience the same.
AngieM. says:
sf parking really IS stupid! i went to the pier last weekend and paid a million (practically) dollars to freaken park..which is why i don’t go very often.
glad you had a good time.
Becca_Masters says:
what an amazing picture.
i’d love to go to SF.
great post Heather. you and Jackie remind me of me and my BF.
giselle says:
Thinking of you and Jackie! Sending Jackie! all the strength and good vibes I possibly can. I don’t know her, but because you love her so much, I kind of love her too.
Glenda says:
You and Jackie are blessed to have each other.
Love the view from Jackie’s apt.
Praying for Jackie… peace and strength!!
JoLissa says:
friends like that are the best. so much love to you and Jackie!
Jeanie says:
So happy that you were able to visit with Jackie! and that you had a good time together. The view is lovely. Does she live in the Marina District? My daughter is in Lower Haight very close to Japantown. If you look out of her livingroom window and stretch your neck out just so, you can see part of the Bay Bridge.
KaraB says:
She sounds like an amazing friend. My thoughts are with both you.
Gina says:
That sounds like the perfect weekend. So glad you were able to have it with your friend!
suzanne says:
A lot of people go through life never experiencing this kind of friendship. And some of us who have experienced it allow it to slip away — this post makes me realize I need to reach out to my awesome best friend from college whom I have not talked to in a few years. So thanks for the reminder about valuing and maintaining your friendships.
Jackie sounds so, so cool. I’m definitely going to be thinking of her a lot and wishing her peace, love and strength.
Katherine says:
I’m so glad you got to spend a weekend with your friend. Although yes, parking in SF is atrocious. Also, since you are a big-time photographer person, I must suggest you reconsider your stance on Alcatraz – you can take a boat out there without doing the tour. On a bright and sunny day, the combination of the light and those buildings is amazing. You could get some amazing pictures out of that place.
AmazingGreis says:
Those are the BEST kinds of friends and the best kinds of trips. Just spending time together is the best kind of time to have!! Can’t wait to see you this weekend!